Ingredients
For the Apple Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Preparing the Apple Fritters:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well mixed.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the melted butter while continuing to whisk.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Form Fritters: Using a spoon or a small scoop, form the batter into small fritter shapes, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Fritters: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the fritters in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Making the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- Melt Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a thick amber-colored liquid.
- Add Butter: Carefully add the butter to the melted sugar, whisking continuously until fully melted and combined.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
- Season with Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sea salt. Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations
Tips:
- Consistency: If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Crispiness: For extra crispy fritters, lightly brush them with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer.
- Storage: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Variations:
- Air Fryer Apple Fritters with Pancake Mix: Substitute the dry ingredients with pancake mix for a quicker preparation.
- Air Fryer Apple Fritters Biscuits: Use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of making the batter from scratch.
- Healthy Option: Use whole wheat flour and a sugar substitute to make the fritters healthier.
- Bisquick Apple Fritters in Air Fryer: Replace flour with Bisquick for a fluffy texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Conclusion
These Air Fried Apple Fritters With Salted Caramel Sauce are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fritters. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are a delightful treat for any occasion. The salted caramel sauce adds a rich and decadent touch that elevates this dish to a whole new level.